The Dallas Cowboys are currently 3-3 and are seen as one of the NFL’s most underperforming teams.
Despite finishing as a top-five offense last season, they rank 14th this year, and quarterback Dak Prescott isn’t delivering like a $60 million-per-year player. The team needs an additional playmaker to alleviate some pressure from star receiver CeeDee Lamb.
Third-year WR Jalen Tolbert has stepped up admirably as Dallas’ second option, but the Cowboys could benefit from acquiring a higher-caliber player. This is why CBS Sports’ Garrett Podell suggested a trade for former All-Pro wideout Diontae Johnson from the Carolina Panthers.
“Bringing in Carolina Panthers’ top receiver Diontae Johnson, who leads his struggling 1-5 team with 29 catches, 340 receiving yards, and three touchdowns, could solve the issue of receivers not gaining separation,” Podell noted.
“At 29, Johnson is still on the right side of 30 and is entering the last year of his contract, a factor appreciated by Jones. If Dallas can secure him for a Day 3 pick (rounds four to seven), it makes sense if they genuinely want to contend for the playoffs this year.”
Johnson is in the final year of a two-year, $36.7 million deal, meaning there’s no long-term obligation beyond 2024, allowing the team to pursue another WR upgrade next offseason.
As Podell highlighted, Cowboys pass-catchers are averaging only 3.0 yards of separation per route, the second-worst mark in the league.
In contrast, Johnson averages 5.1 yards of separation per route, and his addition would create more opportunities for both Lamb and Tolbert, providing Dallas with three legitimate receiving threats, especially with Brandin Cooks sidelined due to a knee injury.
